State ordered by HC to prioritise repair and reconstruction of 37 km of internal roads in Aarey

The repair and reconstruction of internal roads within the Aarey Milk Colony area have become a focal point of concern, as directed by the Bombay High Court. Last week, the court instructed the Department of Dairy Development, under the state government's purview, to undertake the necessary actions promptly. This directive stems from the pressing need to address the deteriorating conditions of the roads, spanning approximately 37 kilometres, within the eco-sensitive zone of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
A plea filed by Binod Agarwal, a former Indian Navy staffer and resident of Royal Palms in Aarey Colony, alongside an intervention plea by NGO Vanashakti, highlighted the urgency of addressing the pot-hole-ridden roads and ensuring minimal adverse impact on the natural environment. The High Court presided over by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Arif S Doctor, acknowledged the public interest in establishing proper internal roads while prioritising measures for wildlife preservation and ecological balance.
In response to a report submitted by a court-appointed committee comprising higher-level state government officers, experts from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), and the chief executive officer of Aarey Milk Colony, the High Court has outlined specific actions. The committee highlighted the poor condition of internal roads, recommending urgent repairs, particularly focusing on a 1.5-kilometre stretch from Aarey Market to Mayur Nagar, necessitating immediate reconstruction.
The total length of internal roads within the eco-sensitive zone amounts to 52 kilometres, with a portion of seven kilometres already handed over to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2014. The High Court directed the BMC to furnish an affidavit detailing the current status of repairs on this stretch. Furthermore, it identified specific areas requiring immediate attention, with 11.98 kilometres falling under reserved forest areas and 19.17 kilometres prioritised for urgent repairs. Additionally, 17.72 kilometres may necessitate comparatively lesser treatment.
Recognising the regulatory framework governing activities within eco-sensitive zones, the High Court referred to a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest, stipulating clearance requirements for road repair, reconstruction, or maintenance activities. Furthermore, it acknowledged the allocation of funds amounting to Rs 48.41 crore by the Maharashtra Department of Agriculture and Dairy Development, specifically designated for road repairs within Aarey Milk Colony.
In light of these developments, the High Court emphasised expediting the repair and reconstruction work, directing the concerned authorities to obtain requisite permissions from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and forest authorities within a stipulated time frame. Once approvals are secured, the court mandates immediate commencement of the road-related works. Additionally, it suggested considering short-term tender notices for inviting bids, streamlining the procurement process.
In conclusion, the directives issued by the Bombay High Court show the imperative of addressing infrastructure deficiencies while upholding environmental conservation efforts. The collaborative efforts between government departments, regulatory bodies, and judicial intervention signify a concerted approach towards sustainable development within sensitive ecological zones like Aarey Milk Colony.

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State ordered by HC to prioritise repair and reconstruction of 37 km of internal roads in Aarey

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